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Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.' " Matthew 4:7–10 WEB.

Jesus was a young man, about 30 years old, when He began His ministry. He was gifted, pure, sinless, and completely dedicated to His heavenly Father. Jesus caught the attention of satan because He was different from all the rest of the young men. The others had been easy to seduce and usually fell on their own when given the right temptation. Yet, by 30, Jesus hadn't stumbled. So satan decided to try and buy Him with various deals. He needed Jesus to compromise.

Then satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the Earth and told Him that he would give Him all of it. He could have power, glory, and riches right now without waiting for it. He wouldn't have to go to the cross. Jesus could shortcut all of that and have it right now with just a little compromise. Then Jesus basically told satan to get lost. For though Jesus Christ was the Son of God, His integrity was thoroughly tested, as yours will be.

I have a feeling that each time God is about to do something powerful in your life, heavy temptation comes first to test your integrity. Jesus Christ was about to be raised up into a powerful ministry, but first, He had to pass through the trial of temptation. Jesus passed the test and came out of the desert in the "Power of the Spirit."

When we resist temptation, it will leave. James tells us: "Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

The Apostle Peter told us: "Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" (1 Peter 5:8).

Notice that "after you have suffered a little while" is followed by "perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." The reward is on the other side. It's enduring, resisting, and going through it that brings us rewards.

How often have we missed opportunities and anointing because we chose to do the wrong thing at the right time? Too many times, we give in right before the breakthrough comes. It would be painful to know the things we missed. The devil's deals are never as good as they sound, for he cannot be trusted, and he is a liar. Eve thought she was getting something good, but instead, she got something bad.

So the next time you feel heavy temptation to do something wrong, know that a divine opportunity is probably right around the corner. This is the enemy's way of stealing that opportunity from you. Don't take his bait. Don't deal with the devil.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one. Please strengthen me to do what is right, and make what is crooked in me straight. Help me become a Godly person and to be keenly aware of the traps of the enemy. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Today is Thankful Thursday at the Ministry Events group! This event gives us an opportunity encourage each other by posting thoughts, moments, and prayers of gratitude for Him, His creation and all that He does in our lives. All our welcome! To join, just click on the group name and then the join link on the page that will follow. As always, if you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network.